Steve Nash has been playing for the Phoenix Suns for the past six seasons, so he was familiar with Jerryd Bayless before Blazer fans knew about Bayless.

Nash said he got acquainted with Portland's second-year guard when Bayless was one of the top prep players in the country while playing for St. Mary's High School in Phoenix.

"I got a chance to get to know Jerryd when he was leaving high school and going to U of A (University of Arizona)," Nash said after the Suns' shootaround at the Rose Garden Thursday morning. "I had an opportunity to talk to him a little bit about the (point) guard position, his future (and) what it would be like going to college. Then also, becoming an NBA player."

Those conversations occured in 2007, and Nash said he isn't surprised that he is talking about Bayless playing in the NBA three years later.

"He's a great kid and I'm really proud of what he's been able to accomplish in such a short period of time," Nash said. "What he has been able to do in such a short period of time is
phenomenal. It's a testament not only to his talent, but to his desire
and his ability to continue to improve."

Nash was asked by a reporter if it was weird for him to be playing against someone who was in high school not long ago.